Islington, Japanese Restaurant Guide

“In the gorgeous new location of Islington Square”, this “fantastic” and unusual Israeli-Japanese newcomer is proving a promising addition to N1: “very buzzy, with cool vibes” and serving “small fusion plates” that are very “interesting”. Even fans agree, however, that it’s “very expensive… but definitely worth it… I’ll be back!”

The “very rich and extremely meaty pork broth” wins plenty of admirers for what some consider “London’s top ramen”. Founded by former cycle racer Kazuhiro Kanada in Kyushu 14 years ago, the small group now has four branches in the capital – Angel, Piccadilly, Covent Garden and Carnaby – and provide “food to savour on a chilly winter day”.

“What a great place to enjoy wagyu steak… which, as its name indicates, is cooked on a hot stone at the table” – Padam Raj Rai’s Islington ishiyaki is one of only a handful of UK restaurants selling certified Kobe beef, and also serves high-quality sushi and sashimi. Most reports are hymns of praise – occasional niggles relate to service that is occasionally “hit or miss”. Its former Fitzrovia sibling is now branded as Rai (see also).

Kaz Tateishi’s “conscientious and consistent” (and therefore very Japanese) sushi shop with eat-in seats is tucked away in Islington’s cute Camden Passage. A meal here (or taken away in a box) “always feels like money well spent”. There is now a second outlet in Shoreditch.